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- Design, build and test computer systems
- You'll need the ability to understand technical plans and have project management skills
- You could become a senior developer, with team or project management responsibilities
As a software developer you'll work closely with project managers and business analysts to find out what the client wants, and the best way to achieve it. You could work on a wide variety of projects, from financial databases to robotics. You may use one of a number of programming languages or project management tools.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Discussing requirements with the client and the development team
- Contributing to technical design and progress meetings
- Writing or amending computer programmes and code testing, installation, security and compatibility issues
- Keeping accurate records of the development process, changes and results
- Reviewing test results and fixing technical problems
- Installing a full version of the software and carrying out quality checks before release
- Maintaining and supporting systems once they're up and running
- As an experienced developer you may supervise a programming team and provide feedback on coding work
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
You may need to do overtime and weekend work to meet deadlines or to fit around your client's business. You'll be office-based but may travel to meet clients and fulfil contracts.
You'll need
This role would be ideal for someone with the ability to understand technical plans, project management, and complex problem-solving skills.
You'll usually need a foundation degree, an HND or degree in computing or a related subject, like computer science, information technology, software development, software engineering, mathematics or business information systems.
Some companies will accept you onto their graduate training scheme without an IT-related degree if you have an understanding of programming languages and frameworks, project management and development methods.
Alternatively, you could do a software developer higher apprenticeship or degree apprenticeship in software engineering.
You could also complete a digital and technology solutions degree apprenticeship.
You could build up your skills and knowledge using free online learning resources for programming languages, project management and software development methods.
CAREER PROSPECTS
With experience, you could become a senior developer, with team or project management, planning or research responsibilities. You could move into related areas like systems design, IT architecture and business systems analysis. You could also set up your own business or work as a consultant.